Romans 9:30-33
Romans 9:30-33 (ESV) “What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Devotion:
In Romans 9:30-33, Paul presents a twist in the argument he has been making in the book of Romans that would have shocked Jewish sensibilities at the time. He says the Gentiles, those who were outsiders, who were outside of God’s covenant with Israel, achieved righteousness through faith. Meanwhile, Israel, God’s covenant people, people who have been incredibly devoted to keeping the law, missed the mark because they pursued righteousness as if it could be earned through their own efforts.
This is the core problem all humanity has. This is the core difference between Christianity and every other religion. As has often been quipped, the difference between the Christian faith and every other religion is only 2 letters: N and E. The difference is every other religion says Do, and Christianity says, in Jesus it is Done.
At the heart of this difference lies the stumbling stone— Jesus Christ. Jesus has done everything that is required to get back to God on the cross. The Christian faith, is completely upside down – we don’t have to do anything. We can’t earn God’s favour. Our righteousness is not based on good works. It is based on faith. We can’t earn it, we can only receive it. Not Do, but Done.
So why did Israel stumble? Because they expected that the path to God, the path of righteousness was bound up in strict obedience to God’s law. But the point of the law was always that God expects a righteousness that is so pure and so perfect that no human being could ever acheive it. The standard was simply too high for anyone to reach! The reason Israel stumbled is because they were confronted with the fact that righteousness comes by faith and not by works.
But this is not just a stumbling block for ancient Jews. This is a stumbling block for every human being. This is a stumbling block we fall over all the time! How often do we try to earn our way into God’s good graces? How often do we create a list in our heads of standards and deeds we must do to make sure God stays happy with us? Maybe on your list you have daily Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, and serving at the local soup kitchen. But Paul’s point is, if you rely on any of those things for your standing before God, you have fallen over this same stumbling block all over again.
The only thing that makes us righteous is accepting that Jesus has done it all already for us. Can you, as the old hymn says “Lay your deadly doing down, down at Jesus’ feet”?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the stone the builders rejected, teach us the humility to accept righteousness by faith. Help us to lay aside our pride and self-effort, embracing the grace You freely offer. May we never be put to shame as we trust in You, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge for the Day:
Reflect on areas of your life where you might be relying on your own efforts to achieve righteousness. Consider how this might be a stumbling stone in your relationship with God. Today, take a step of faith in one of these areas, choosing to trust in God’s grace rather than your own accomplishments. Share your experience of trusting in faith over works with someone, encouraging them with the freedom that comes from living by faith.